AT-ART20 Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge
A new realm of analog sound
A timeless, magnetic core cartridge
Overview
Audio-Technica is pleased to introduce the AT-ART20, the latest cartridge in our ART Series that will allow you to experience a new world of sound. As with previous magnetic core cartridges in our high-end lineup, we had two main goals in developing the AT-ART20: provide superlative analog performance and offer sound reproduction that matches the life-like expressiveness of non-magnetic core cartridges.
Based on cartridge technologies and know-how cultivated over our long history, and employing the best materials and advanced processing techniques, we created a magnetic core moving coil cartridge that’s optimally structured to reproduce sound with the full expressiveness of a live performance.
The high-frequency range of the AT-ART20 is expansive and detailed, while the low-frequency sound, which cartridges tend to bury, is reproduced with full clarity and force. Vocals come through with all the variety and expressiveness of the human voice even at low volumes, and the full character of the sound source blossoms anew for the listener with extended sound depth and rich spatial expression that convey the original environment of the performance.
Features
Unprecedented, Emotional Sound Quality
All sound information, carefully and accurately reproduced
Unparalleled expressive power to depict every tone and space
As a top-of-the-line MC cartridge, the AT-ART20 transmits an astonishing amount of information with high resolution, while capturing musical expression. While valuing each and every note, it also provides smooth sound connections. The sound field is realistic, regardless of music genre, fully capturing the expressiveness in a performer’s voice and the dynamic qualities of instruments.
High-quality sound terminal pins with thick gold plating
The thickness of the gold-plated portion has been increased to approximately 30 times that of our conventional products to reduce contact resistance and enhance sound quality.
Resonance suppression by combining various materials
The base is made of aluminum, which has an established reputation in the series; the housing is made of titanium, a first for the series; and the undercover is made of elastomer, another first for the series. This combination of materials suppresses the resonance generated by the cartridge.
Design That Expresses a Sense of Life and Dynamism
Utilizing Fukui Prefecture’s world-class technology in cartridges
Precision-machined titanium polished finish
By utilizing the advanced cutting and polishing technologies cultivated in the eyeglass industry of Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture, which has a history stretching back more than 100 years, Audio-Technica has realized an organic design with a beautifully curved surface that has never been seen in a cartridge before. The combination of this design and advanced cutting technology has also made it possible to reduce the thickness of the titanium, resulting in a significant weight reduction. By placing titanium in key locations, the overall sound is made calm and serene.
Magnetic Core MC with a Superb Sound
Cartridge finished in Japan
Newly designed magnetic circuit improves power generation efficiency
Based on the magnetic circuit of the AT-ART9XI, the front yoke is 0.6 mm (0.024″) thicker to improve magnetic flux density. By increasing the power generation efficiency, more realistic sound quality is achieved. In addition, output voltage efficiency is improved by more than 15% without changing the number of coil turns or impedance.
Lighter and More Supple with a New Vibration System
Improved high-frequency characteristics and strengthened cantilever
Tip reinforcement plate made of titanium reduces stylus tip weight
As in the flagship model of the ART Series, the AT-ART1000, titanium is used for the tip reinforcement plate that holds the diamond tip in place. This reduces its mass and improves the high-frequency characteristics.
Special line contact stylus and 0.28 mm (0.011″) diameter solid boron cantilever
A nude special line contact stylus is used to read sound grooves faithfully and enhance the sense of sound separation. In addition, a stepped pipe structure is used, in which the boron cantilever becomes thicker in steps from the tip to the coil toward the fulcrum. The double structure of the connection between the cantilever and armature increases rigidity, which improves the strength of the cantilever and suppresses unwanted vibrations.